Type I interferons: One stone to concurrently kill two birds, viral infections and cancers

Abstract

Interferons (IFNs) are soluble glycoproteins secreted by infected and transformed cells. Since their discovery in 1957 as a factor that “interferes” with viral replication, IFNs have been shown to protect against a wide range of infections and malignancies. The antiviral and anticancer properties of IFNs are largely attributed to their ability to alert the host immune system to kill infected and cancer cells. In this review, we will discuss the functions of a specific subgroup of ubiquitous IFNs, type I IFNs (IFN-Is), in viral infections and cancers. Although IFN-Is alleviate cancers and viral infections, the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic potential remain to be fully delineated. To harness the full therapeutic potential of IFN-Is, its mediators, and its effectors as safe antiviral and anticancer agents, here, we describe what is known about these cytokines and identify the underexplored potential applications of IFN-Is at the interface of viral infections and cancers. We predict that strategies which restore IFN-I-driven antiviral and anticancer immune surveillance would be particularly attractive early therapeutic interventions to block virus-induced tumorigenesis and safeguard patients with cancer from contracting deadly viral infections.